Man, 72, Turns Tables On Robbers

MIAMI -- A 72-year-old man overpowered, stabbed and apparently shot at least one of two men in their 20s who tried to rob him Monday of $170.

Police said two men in the hospital who sought aid for gunshot wounds were being interviewed by detectives. Their names were not released immediately.

Miami police spokesman David Rivero said that just after 2 p.m., Rafael Viera, a retired fisherman who lives alone, returned home from grocery shopping when two men came to his house and wanted to sell him a gun.

When the Cuban-born Viera refused, the men brandished guns and Viera gave $170 to one of them. The intruders demanded more cash, ransacked the house and began shooting to scare Viera, Rivero said.

Police said Viera reported he grabbed a knife and stabbed one of the men several times. He took one of their guns, chased the men and fired at them as they fled.

Rivero said there was a three- or four-block trail of blood leading from Viera`s house. Police were notified after two men ran to neighbors and asked for medical assistance for gunshot wounds.

``We know there are two guys shot but we`re not sure if both are (the suspects),`` Rivero said. ``We`re pretty sure at least one is.``